Overview of the Economic Survey FY25 The Economic Survey for FY25 emphasizes the need to regulate ultra-processed foods (UPFs), calling for clear standards on permissible levels of salt and sugar. It highlights the misleading marketing of high-calorie, unhealthy products, such as breakfast cereals, juices, and chocolate drinks, often falsely promoted as healthy despite being classified
READ MOREReport The government is considering a higher tax on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), effectively introducing a ‘health tax’ to discourage the promotion of these products. The pre-Budget Economic Survey 2024-25, presented in Parliament on Friday (January 31, 2025) by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasized this recommendation. The proposal urges the Union Ministry of Health and
READ MOREOverview To ensure food safety and combat adulteration, the Karnataka health ministry has introduced food safety test kits at 10 locations across Bengaluru. These kits enable consumers to quickly check if items like paneer, fish, and raw food materials contain harmful additives using a simple tincture test. Simple Tests for Easy Adulteration Detection At any
READ MOREReport On Friday, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), urged food business entrepreneurs (FBO) to responsibly incorporate sugar and artificial sweeteners into processed foods. More than 400 participants, including food business operators (FBOs), manufacturers, and regulatory agencies, attended the program held in Hyderabad. Rao emphasized that
READ MOREErythrosine, also known as Red 3 is a synthetic red dye widely used in food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to enhance colour. While it provides a vibrant hue, erythrosine raises concerns due to its potential health risks, including cancer and thyroid dysfunction. Despite these harmful effects, many countries, including India, still use the dye under
READ MOREReport The recent ban on red dye No. 3 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sparked widespread concern among consumers, prompting them to re-evaluate their food choices. Many are not only checking for the presence of red dye No. 3 but are also scrutinizing other products for potentially harmful ingredients. In this
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